Letter: 'Check' facts on Raynham Walmart security issues

Walmart has been a member of the Raynham community for more than 20 years. Now questions have been raised about potential security issues at our new Supercenter, and we would like to set the record straight.

Walmart has been a member of the Raynham community for more than 20 years. Now questions have been raised about potential security issues at our new Supercenter, and we would like to set the record straight.

Customers at our original store and throughout Massachusetts appreciate the safety, affordability and convenience of being able to cash checks where they shop.

While a recent news article (“Raynham selectmen oppose check cashing at Route 138 Walmart,” March 29) reflected concerns raised regarding these services, the reality is these concerns don’t really apply to Walmart. The facts speak for themselves — we are responsible for only a small percentage of total calls to the police department. In addition, based on records we have checked going back for the past 10 years, not a single customer cashing a check has ever been the victim of a crime at our store in Raynham.

We’re proud of our contributions to the community. After working with the city to identify its immediate needs as part of the publicly noticed hearing and approval process for our new store, we contributed $100,000 toward a new fire truck — this along with $2.7 million in street improvements to make traffic flow more safely near our new store. Our original store generates some $300,000 annually in property taxes to the town, and our new store will add another $300,000. This money can help fund the police department and other services that may be needed.

We want to continue our supportive relationship with the city and want our customers to know that both our Raynham stores will continue to offer affordable and convenient shopping in a safe environment.